Aberdeen School Thanks Local Vets

ABERDEEN, NJ — This past Monday evening, Home Away From Home Academy — a preschool and private school in Aberdeen — hosted a Veterans' Day ceremony at Piazza di Roma on Rt. 34.

Home Away's owners Phyllis and Carmine Visone asked children who attend the school, which goes from three months to second grade, to invite their parents or grandparents who are veterans. The list of veterans included parents, grandparents, and even a great-grandparent of students enrolled in Home Away From Home Academy: David Leach, Ryan Kaplan, Mike Alfieri, Charles Tronicke, Chuck McDermott, Joe Ferraro, Robert Williams, the late Edward Almendinger and finally, Richard Wallace, who received a standing ovation as a 95-year-old WWII veteran.

In addition, the Academy also honored Matawan-Aberdeen School District Superintendent Dr. Jay Majka, who served in the U.S. Army and is a Marine. Also honored on Monday night was "Fox & Friends" co-host Pete Hegseth. Hegseth was not able to attend; he was honored in his absence.

Hegseth is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan. He is passionate about being a voice for veterans across the nation, because he knows the struggles of returning home after service.

Home Away From Home is a private pre-school serving children ages three months to second grade. The school is located on Rt. 34 in Aberdeen, and serves families in Aberdeen, Holmdel and Lincroft.

It began with a special performance of “God Bless America” sung by kindergarten students accompanied by bagpiper Frank Johnson, the bagpipe band teacher at nearby Christian Brothers Academy.

The event commenced with a speech by Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini, who recognized the service given by those present at the event, as well as all the individuals who have served and continue to serve across our nation.

Tagliarini and Carmine Visone then presented each veteran with a commemorative certificate, gave a short bio about each person, their rank, years of service, and wars served.

The event concluded with more bagpipe songs, as the veterans stood in front of a thankful audience who cheered for their service.

“The entire event was emotional and heartfelt, and all who attended were deeply touched," Phyllis Visone said. "All men and women who served should have the opportunity to be formally thanked for their bravery and vigilance in defending the rights and freedoms of all Americans.”